Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge receiving May security update in Korea

Samsung has begun to roll out the latest Android Security Patch for the Galaxy S7 Edge in South Korea. The update, which comes in at 36.65MB, updates the Android security patch level to that of May 1, 2016. Take a look:

For reference, the update was downloaded on the SKT variant of the Galaxy S7 Edge, model number SM-G935S. It carries the Baseband Version G935SKSU1APD5, Kernel Version 3.18.14-7542290 (dated Friday April 15th) and Build Number MMB29K.G935SKSU1APAD:

It is likely that the standard Galaxy S7 variant on SKT is also receiving its April security patch update, however at the moment only the Edge model can be confirmed. It is also likely that the country’s other two major carriers, KT and LG U+ will be receiving updates as well, or are already in the process.

This is now the second consecutive month that Samsung Korea has taken such an early initiative in providing the latest security patch for 2016’s flagship devices. Just last month the April 2, 2016 security patch was pushed to devices – along with the camera and DPI update – long before it other territories received it.

Perhaps the more interesting development is that Google itself has not yet pushed out the May security patch to Nexus devices, much as it had not pushed the April patch last month when the Galaxy S7 Edge began to receive it. In this regard, Samsung Korea – along with the country’s carriers –  is taking a strong initiative in ensuring that its newest Galaxy products are provided with the latest protection.

Customers around the world in are likely to see their devices put on a similar update path, although it can not be confirmed at this time. Given the time difference between some territories receiving even the camera and DPI update it may be some weeks yet before the newest patch is pushed out.

The best solution for those worried about their device’s vulnerabilities should make sure to hit the settings menu, select “About device” and then manually check for updates.

What do you think about this development? Has Samsung finally started to make updating its devices – at least in some territories – a major priority? Could it bode well for the eventual release of Android N later this year? Leave your comments below and share your thoughts with the world!